Inspire Justice Awards: HMCIC Andy Cooke and the inclusion of the criminal justice inspectorates in the 2024 awards

Andy, as His Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services, what does your role entail?

HMICFRS independently assesses the effectiveness and efficiency of police forces and fire & rescue services – in the public interest. As the chief inspector, I have the privilege of leading our fantastic organisation. Along with my fellow inspectors, we oversee the performance of all police forces and fire & rescue services. And we work closely with other inspectorates, the government and other interested parties. Ultimately, my role is about making communities safer.

You joined HMICFRS following a stellar career in operational policing, rising to the rank of Chief Constable of Merseyside Police. How much of a readjustment was it to leave operational policing behind?

Policing is a demanding job at all ranks or grades. It is a vocational calling and one that I would argue is like no other. After 36 years working in policing, in many ways it has been a big adjustment to become an inspector. For example, I’ve had to deliver some difficult messages to chief constables who were previously colleagues. But in other ways, my working life is very similar. I became an officer in 1985 because I wanted to make a difference, and that motivation has never changed. In my current role, I get to make as big a difference as I ever have. Every decision I make is still with the public in mind.

You’ve been in post since 2021. It’s been a challenging few years for society and therefore policing in general, what are the most significant achievements and challenges for the inspectorate during this time?

The inspectorate has always been a catalyst for improvement and reform. The last few years have been no different. With our help, many underperforming forces and services have made significant improvements. The most notable of which are those removed from our enhanced monitoring: Cleveland, Greater Manchester, Gloucestershire, Staffordshire, Wiltshire and the London Fire Brigade. We have also been a driving force behind an increased focus nationwide on areas like vetting and counter-corruption, violence against women and girls and effective criminal investigations.

This year, for the very first time the Inspire Justice Awards will celebrate the work of criminal justice inspectorates. As the person in charge of HMICFRS, how would you characterise the role of inspectorates in keeping our criminal justice system running?

At HMICFRS we work closely with the other inspectorates across criminal justice to ensure the whole system is working as it should be. Unfortunately, in too many ways we keep finding that it isn’t. And I have recently said that despite many calls for reform, not enough has changed in recent years. That said, our work plays a crucial role in shining a light on what is working well and what needs to improve. Because of our work, many elements of the criminal justice system are running much better than they otherwise would be. It is great that these awards are recognising some of the fantastic work that goes on.

Finally, what is your message for our finalists?

Enjoy the occasion! In my experience, those working in the crime and justice sectors work selflessly and tirelessly to protect the public. Often, this is done with little or no recognition. So, make the most of your day here, you deserve it. Be proud of the work you have done to make communities safer.